Figures reveal 'dramatic' variation in dementia diagnosis across UK

There are wide variations in the numbers of people being diagnosed with dementia across the UK, new figures show.

The Alzheimer's Society says that approximately three-quarters (75.5 per cent) of people in Belfast who have dementia have received a proper diagnosis.

However, this figure falls to just 31.6 per cent in East Riding of Yorkshire, where the majority of people with dementia are not aware of their condition and are therefore not receiving treatment or support.

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The charity says that 54 per cent of people nationwide are living with dementia but are yet to receive a formal diagnosis.

Jeremy Hughes, the charity's chief executive, described the situation as 'disgraceful'.

He pointed out: 'This goes against best clinical practice and is preventing people with dementia from accessing the support, benefits and the medical treatments that can help them live well with the condition.'

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The charity's research also revealed that the average waiting time for an appointment for assessment is currently 32.5 working days - over the four to six week target recommended for the NHS.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said that the extreme variation in dementia diagnosis rates across the country was 'unacceptable'.

'It's time for the worst performing areas to wake up to the dementia time bomb,' he insisted.

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